Collection Development: Psychology

To support the Psychology and Mental Health Technology curriculums, materials will be acquired to keep the collection current on new theories and techniques in these fields. Writings of noted psychologists and histories that discuss the trends/developments in psychology will be purchased. Materials that provide an orientation to mental health and addiction counseling, including histories, current issues, treatment plans and roles of mental health workers and addiction/substance abuse counselors will be purchased. Materials supporting popular cross-curriculum courses, such as Religion and Psychology, Gerontology and Mental Health, and Drug/Alcohol Abuse Counseling will be purchased.

Language: English will be the primary language of the collection, unless there is a special request from a student or faculty for materials in another language, especially Spanish language material.

Geography: United States publications are emphasized, with some world psychology materials purchased.

Chronology: Emphasis is placed on the purchase of materials published within the last five years, except in areas covering the history of psychology and mental health.

MATERIAL TYPES

All formats may be considered for purchase. Serials are heavily relied upon for current material. Reference works in psychology, including encyclopedias, dictionaries and bibliographic materials will be reviewed. Textbooks that provide background information may be purchased. Audiovisuals materials will be reviewed for selective additions. CD-ROMs and DVDs are generally added when accompanying print material, but may be purchased separately when available.

Most materials will be considered for de-selection within five years of publication. All superseded editions will be removed from the shelves. Some major reference works and unique publications will not necessarily be de-selected. Materials of historic value or of general interest may also be retained beyond the five-year period. Materials having local connections may be retained indefinitely.